AAFES takes a bite out of crime Published July 17, 2009 By Army Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- High-tech electronic article surveillance systems, eagle-eyed closed circuit television cameras and an aggressive youth shoplifting awareness campaign helped take "a bite out of crime" at the Tinker BX as shoplifting incidents decreased by 54 percent last year, from 127 in 2007 to 59 in 2008. Sophisticated anti-shoplifting measures are also being cited as a factor in reducing the collective cost of the products commonly involved in detected shoplifting cases from $11,538.40 in 2007 to $5,173.80. The Army and Air Force Exchange Service, which has contributed more than $2.4 billion to Air Force Services and Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs in the past 10 years, continues to focus its efforts on reducing theft to maximize the investment authorized shoppers make in their exchange benefit. "This isn't just about a stolen video game or a purse leaving the premise without someone paying," said the BX's General Manager, Bettye J. Golson. "AAFES' mission to generate earnings in support of MWR activities makes Loss Prevention a quality of life issue for the entire Tinker AFB community. People who steal from the exchange do more than harm themselves, they directly impact MWR's ability to complete their mission." If shoplifting is suspected, and exchange loss prevention associate turns the issue over to local law enforcement. In addition to possible disciplinary action and criminal prosecution, the Federal Claims Collection Act, which was instituted in 2002, allows AAFES to enact a flat, administrative cost (civil recovery) of $200. There may be further fees, in addition to the Civil Recovery Program, depending on the condition of the stolen merchandise.